Annabel turned eight yesterday! She’s hilarious and creative, caring and loyal, and all around fantastic. Just like when she turned five, six, and seven, I’ve been writing down all the things she’s said will happen when she turns eight. She kills me! 

When I’m eight, I can go on more rides at Disneyland.

I’ll be even taller when I’m eight – look out, Mom!

When I’m eight, I’ll keep my room clean all the time…or at least, sometimes.

I’ll have more friends when I’m eight, probably like a thousand or so.

I’m going to have a garden and eat everything that I grow. Except for the flowers, duh.

I’ll go to the snow and maybe learn to ski.

I’m going to watch more TV when I’m eight. Like, what are those shows called that are about things? Documentaries. And also Disney channel.

I’m going to redecorate my room when I’m eight. Probably with a Hamilton/Puppies/Softball theme, or maybe a science or American Girl theme? Gosh, I don’t know.

I’ll dance every day when I’m eight.

I want to take gymnastics classes when I’m eight. I want to get better at the splits and accomplish a high kick.

When I’m eight, I will draw like, every day.

I’m going to learn about the human body.

I can’t wait to be eight. I’m going to sew the coolest clothes, and everyone will be like, “where did you get that?” and I’ll be like, “I made it,” and they’ll be like, “whoa.”

When I’m eight, I’m going to be a popular girl.

I’m going to get 100% on all of my math tests.

I’m going to be a comedian. I want people to know me for my comedy.

I’m going to memorize how to spell supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, and then I’ll spell it out loud and everyone will think I’m so smart.

Oh, I’m going to go on an upside-down roller coaster! But my mom has to go with me and hold onto me so tight.

I’m going to finish all the Percy Jackson books when I’m eight. I’m halfway through part one!

I want to make sure everyone at my school treats the environment right so animals will live longer.

When I’m eight I’m going to have the best year ever!

Happiest of birthdays to my great eight-year-old! You are the light of our lives, and I love you with all of my heart.